Trump Administration Axes Biden-Era Lawsuits on Abortion, Civil Rights, and More

Former President Donald Trump’s administration has made waves by dropping numerous lawsuits initiated under President Biden’s term. These lawsuits tackled issues ranging from abortion restrictions to racial discrimination in public services, environmental concerns, and whistleblower protections. Surprisingly, Trump has chosen to leave antitrust cases untouched, signaling a strategic shift in priorities.

Among the most contentious moves was the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging Idaho's strict abortion ban. The Biden administration had argued that the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act required doctors to perform abortions in cases where serious health consequences were imminent, beyond saving the mother’s life. Katie Daniel, Legal Affairs Director at Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, celebrated the decision, declaring that Democrats’ "abortion extremism" had contributed to their political downfall. She added, "Biden’s weaponization of the federal government is over—no more lawfare." One has to wonder: is this a genuine reflection of public sentiment or just political posturing?

Trump’s DOJ also dropped several civil rights cases, including allegations of racial discrimination in hiring practices and physical fitness tests for police and firefighters. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi justified the move, stating that public safety professionals should be chosen based on skill rather than meeting diversity quotas. In one notable case involving Cobb County, Georgia, a judge rejected a settlement proposed under Biden, which he likened to a "racial spoils system." The judge’s refusal to approve the settlement underscores the complexity and divisiveness of these issues.

Environmental and whistleblower cases also met the chopping block. Among them was a lawsuit against Louisiana regulators and Denka, a synthetic rubber manufacturer, accused of exposing minority communities to cancer risks via air pollution. Another involved Dr. Eithan Haim, a medical whistleblower prosecuted for revealing Texas Children's Hospital’s transgender procedures on minors. Both cases highlighted stark ideological differences between the Biden and Trump administrations.

Interestingly, Trump has taken a hands-off approach to Biden-era antitrust enforcement, leaving Big Tech and mergers largely unchallenged. Kison Patel, a financial tech entrepreneur, noted the relief felt by executives in the crypto and fintech sectors, who see fewer regulatory hurdles ahead. However, Patel cautioned that the Federal Trade Commission’s ongoing antitrust case against a medical device company signals that the story isn't over yet.

The broader implications of Trump’s legal strategy remain unclear, but the message is clear: this administration is reshaping federal priorities, focusing less on social justice and regulation and more on deregulation and traditionalist values. Whether this approach will stand the test of time—or public opinion—remains to be seen.